UAE ranks first in terms of number of medals won
ABU DHABI 28 September 2017: On Wednesday, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu U15 Team returned to the UAE with 18 assorted medals that culminated with their remarkable performance at U15 World Cup in Montenegro.
The team was welcomed at Abu Dhabi International Airport by the Board of Directors of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) and representatives of the Ports and Airports Security Department.
The UAE nationals managed to win 8 golds, 6 silvers, and 4 bronze medals during the tournament, continuing the UAE’s track record at international tournaments. The U15 World Cup concluded on Sunday (September 24th) at the Canyon Sports Center with the participation of 25 athletes from the UAE, under the age of 15 years old.
The members of the national team were received by H.E. Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhahiri, Board Member of UAEJJF, Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Board Member and Executive Director of the UAEJJF and Secretary General of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU), and Board Members of the UAEJJF Mansour Mohammed Al Dhaheri and Yousuf Al-Batran, , in addition to Brigadier Matar Ahmed Al Muhairi, Director of the Ports and Airports Security Department.
During the reception ceremony, the UAEJJF honored Brigadier Matar Ahmed Al Muhairi in recognition of the Department’s efforts and positive contributions to the success of the activities and those of the UAEJJF for the 2016-2017 sports season and facilitating the security measures upon receiving the national team.
For his part, Mansour Mohammed Al Dhaheri praised the national team’s outstanding achievements at the World Cup in Montenegro, saying “This great achievement is a blessing from God in the first place, and reflects the efforts of the athletes and the coaches, who have always proved themselves at sporting events. We are proud of our young athletes who have written another line in the long successes story of our national teams for youths and adults.”
Al-Dhaheri stressed that the UAEJJF supports athletes from all age groups, and that young athletes should be cared for before, during and after tournaments to ensure that they give the best performance possible and benefit from their unique sporting abilities.
In turn, Yousif Al-Batran said: “The UAE Jiu-Jitsu junior team has achieved great success and they have proved themselves in one of the most important international tournaments. We are confident that our champions will achieve more success in future.”
Al-Batran added “This year’s Jiu-Jitsu season has been full of championships that have proven the efficiency of our teams and strengthened their ability to face international teams. The performance of the female athletes proves their ability to participate in world championships and bring acclaim to the UAE at various international sports forums.”
Rashid Al Harmoudi, head of the External Corporate Relations at Mubadala Investment Company, said “We are delighted to be the official partner of the UAEJJF in supporting the UAE junior team at the World Cup.”
“Through its programs and partnerships, Mubadala is committed to finding ways to enable members of society to engage in sports activities and stay fit. We look forward to seeing the results of this year’s edition of the Ajman Championship, which shows the enthusiasm and interest in developing this sport across the UAE.”
Commenting on winning the gold medal in the 60kg category, Saif Al Mansouri said “The competition in this tournament was tough, and was an intense challenge with the other international teams. However, we have put in an admirable performance. I would like to thank our wise leadership for their continuing support and encouragement of Jiu-Jitsu players in all local, regional, and international tournaments I must also thank our coaches, who have provided us with the highest level of training and combat experience so that we could achieve this great victory.”
For her part, Balqis Abdul Karim Al Hashemi, who won the gold medal in the below 40kg category, said “This is my first international tournament. Our participation and success is an honor, and I am proud to have raised the UAE flag on the podium.”
“There was rapid development in this competition. I participated in three fights and won first place. As a team of seven girls, we have won five medals. This is a source of pride for us and for our coaches,” she added.